In this excerpt from "Lolita" by Vladimir Nabokov, the speaker expresses a desire to escape their current situation, referring to a person named Carmen. He reassures her that once she is feeling better, they will leave the town behind. His tone suggests a sense of urgency and a desire for change.
Lolita's reply reflects a deeper nihilism, as she questions the purpose of remaining in any place at all. Her response suggests a feeling of disillusionment and the idea that moving away may not solve their existential concerns. This exchange captures the tension between hope for a new beginning and a sense of futility in seeking it.